This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
The classic White Russian cocktail combines vodka, Kahlua, and cream in a rich, smooth drink. Learn the best techniques and expert tips for making this famous cocktail at home.
Here’s a drink that takes just 2 minutes and hits the spot anytime: the White Russian! This classic cocktail mixes vodka with coffee liqueur and cream in a decadently creamy, searingly sweet beverage.
The White Russian has an interesting reputation. You may know it from the 1990’s movie The Big Lebowski. Some purists think it’s too sweet or uninspired (and I have my thoughts). But it’s a classic vodka cocktail that’s simple and hits the spot! Here are my expert tips on making this drink, and a few variations to mix it up too.
White Russian ingredients
The White Russian is a cocktail made vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. It’s a variation on the Black Russian (the same drink without cream). The Black Russian was invented in a hotel bar in Brussels in 1949 for the American ambassador to Luxembourg.
Adding cream to make it a White Russian cocktail started in 1955 in California, which gives it a creamy richness almost like latte. Then the drink exploded in popularity due to the 1998 cult-classic movie The Big Lebowski. Here are a few notes on the ingredients:
- Vodka: I like using a mid-range vodka like Tito’s or Smirnoff.
- Kahlua (Coffee Liqueur): Kahlua is the traditional choice: it’s a Mexican coffee liqueur with rum, sugar, and coffee flavors. Other coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s work as alternatives.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the drink its signature richness. Heavy cream makes those beautiful swirls, but I’ve also tested different dairy options (more below).
Tip: A few of my favorite Kahlua drinks to use up the bottle are the Mudslide, Bushwacker, Black Russian, or the famous Espresso Martini.
How to Make a White Russian
The technique here is simple; here’s my method:
- Fill your glass with ice first. I use a lowball or rocks glass.
- Add 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of Kahlua. Pour these directly over the ice.
- Top with 1 ounce of heavy cream. Pour the cream slowly and stir gently just 2 to 3 times. You want those creamy swirls, not a mixed beige drink.
Tip: Step up your White Russian with clear ice, ice that’s crystal clear instead of cloudy like ice from a tray. All you need is 24 hours and a small cooler.
Cream Alternatives
In my opinion the White Russian is pretty rich, so I prefer using some alternatives to the heavy cream. Here are a few I’ve tested:
- Half and Half: This is my go-to lighter substitution. It still makes swirls and has enough richness to feel satisfying.
- Whole Milk: This works but creates a slightly more watery drink. You can make 2% work, but I would avoid 1% or skim.
- Full fat coconut milk (or oat milk): For a dairy-free White Russian, I actually like coconut milk (canned, full fat) since it still makes the swirls. You could also use oat milk but it is thinner.
Vodka Selection Tips
A rule of thumb for vodka in a White Russian? Use a mid-range vodka. Avoid high-end vodka, since the Kahlua and cream easily overpower it. Brands like Tito’s, Smirnoff and Grey Goose work well here.
But you don’t want to go too bottom shelf: a low-quality vodka can ruin the drink. Avoid vodka that is very cheap ($10 to $15 per 750 ml bottle range).
Popular White Russian Variations
The basic recipe is just the beginning. I’ve tried dozens of variations, and these are the ones worth making:
- Black Russian: The original, a classic cocktail invented in 1949 with coffee liqueur and vodka.
- Mind Eraser: Add soda water to a White Russian for a lighter, bubbly version.
- Colorado Bulldog: A splash of cola to your White Russian to add an interesting complexity.
- Baileys White Russian: Replace the heavy cream with Baileys Irish Cream for extra sweetness and an Irish twist.
If it’s the holidays, try the creamy, cool Peppermint White Russian.
Frequently Asked Questions
With 2 oz vodka and 1 oz Kahlua (which is 20% alcohol), a White Russian is moderately strong at about 25% ABV after the dilution with cream.
Technically yes, using any coffee liqueur, but it’s classic with Kahlua. In a pinch, you could use cold brew concentrate mixed with simple syrup, though it won’t taste quite the same.
No, Kahlua is shelf-stable due to its alcohol and sugar content. Store it in a cool, dark place like your liquor cabinet.
Yes, full fat canned coconut milk and oat milk work as dairy-free substitutes. Coconut milk is best: It has the right consistency and doesn’t separate as quickly as other plant milks.
Classic White Russian
Here’s how to make a White Russian! This classic cocktail recipe starring vodka and Kahlua hits the spot anytime and in any season.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ounces* vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)
- 1 ounce heavy cream (see Notes)
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Add the vodka and Kahlua to a low ball glass. Fill it with ice.
- Top with the cream. Stir until cold (or stir just a bit to get the swirl effect).
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
Cream substitutes: Make a lighter White Russian with half and half or whole milk. For dairy-free, use canned full fat coconut milk (preferred since it has the highest fart of any plant milk) or oat milk.
Very useful post for us thanks.
What a great article. I love the in-depth details on the ingredients… I actually learned something new about Kahlua.
And the recipe is great, of course. Same measurements I use for my White Russians.
For any interested White-Russian-lover, I made a delicious riff on the White Russian not so long ago. It introduces Hazelnut to the mix, and hence is named Hazy Russian. Check it out if you’re interested. It’s nom nom :D
https://worldofmixology.net/hazy-russian/
Cheers
Whenever we praise someone, we give him a number, like if I appreciate your post from one to 10, I would like to give you the full number of 10 because you wrote your post very well. The word is very beautiful. I hope you will keep writing such excellent posts in your life and we will definitely comment by reading these posts.
A cocktail that is creamy and flavorful and full of Christmas IEEE cheer🌲🌲🥂definitely my go to holiday drink🎅🤶🧑🎄❤
Love your White Russians!
Let us know if you have any questions!